ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Cabinet
Cabinet approves allocation of 2.5 per cent of Central Road Fund for development and maintenance of National Waterways  by amending in the Central Road Fund Act, 2000
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has accorded its approval today to a proposal jointly mooted by the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways  for amendment of Central Road Fund Act, 2000 to allocate 2.5 per cent of the proceeds of Central Road Fund  for development and maintenance of National Waterways  and a reduction in the share provided for development of National Highways. The Cabinet has also directed that while implementing viable National Waterways projects, all such components that can be done on PPP basis, should be explored accordingly and government funding may be used only if private investment is not forthcoming for any component
The Central Road Fund  Bill, 2017 would be moved by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in the ensuing Monsoon Session, 2017 of the Parliament.
Impact
An allocation of 2.5 per cent of CRF proceeds would provide approximately Rs.2000 crore per annum for the development and maintenance of NWs at existing rates of duties funding the CRF. The Inland Waterways Authority of India  has estimated that approximately Rs. 25,000 crores would be required for development of identified projects on NWs till 2022-23. In this regard, works for construction of multi modal terminals, new navigation lock, River Information System, development of fairway etc., have already commenced under the Jal Marg Vikas Project being implemented on NW-1 . IWAI also has planned to undertake work on the development of 24 NWs during the next three years.
It is estimated that 1.8 lakh persons would be provided employment in the Inland Waterways Transport  sector in the next five years. New employment opportunities are expected to be generated for operation and management of fairway, terminals, aids to navigation, barges, training, etc. Further, development of additional 106 NWs will create additional job opportunities.
Background
The Government has been emphasizing the importance of developing Inland Water Transport Sector for the national economy. The National Waterways Act, 2016 for developing and maintaining the existing five NWs and new 106 NWs has been passed by Parliament and is now enforced. The arrangement approved by the Cabinet; would make available adequate and sustainable source of funding for NWs through institutional means of CRF. This is one more step towards promotion of Inland Water Transport sector as a cost effective, logistically efficient and environment friendly sector which would contribute in diverting traffic from the over congested roads and railways and offer an incentive and provide certainty for private companies to invest in the sector. It is estimated that a standard 2000 DWT vessel has the potential to transport 125 Truck Loads and almost one complete train rake  load on existing road and rail infrastructure.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Scheme for disabled sportspersons
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is implementing ‘Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons’ scheme, Sportspersons who are Indian citizens and have won medals in Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Cups/World Championships  and Paralympic Games, are eligible for lifelong monthly pension after they attain the age of 30 years or retire from active sports, whichever is later. At present, 627 sportspersons are getting lifelong monthly pension ranging from Rs. 12,000 to 20,000 under the scheme. This Ministry is also implementing the ‘Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons’ , which caters to sportspersons of yesteryears now living in indigent conditions and for medical treatment of sportspersons. These schemes are equally applicable to disabled and physically impacted sportspersons.
Financial assistance to sportspersons under these schemes is not given state wise. Information relating to assistance provided to sportspersons from the PDUNWFS during the last five years and current year  is as under :
|
|
S. No.
|
|
Year
|
|
Number of sportsperson/ organization
|
|
Amount 
|
|
1
|
|
2014-15
|
|
17
|
|
70,00,000
|
|
2
|
|
2015-16
|
|
04
|
|
12,00,000
|
|
3
|
|
2016-17
|
|
03
|
|
12,85,000
|
|
4
|
|
2017-18
|
|
06
|
|
25,37,500
|
|
5
|
|
2018-19
|
|
12
|
|
66,00,000
|
|
6
|
|
2019-20
|
|
15
|
|
59,32,415
This Information was given by the Minister of State  for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 Update
Centre rushes High Level Central team to Jammu
Central team to assist in strengthening Containment, Surveillance, Testing and efficient Clinical Management
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has decided to depute a high level Central team to Jammu. The district has reported a rise in the number of new COVID cases in the recent days.
The team comprises of Dr. S K Singh, Director, National Centre for Disease Control  and Dr. Vijay Hadda, Associate Professor, Dept. of Pulmonary Critical Care, AIIMS, New Delhi.
It may be recalled that a special team had visited the Srinagar valley recently. The two-member high level team was led by Dr V K Paul, Member , NITI Aayog and Dr S K Singh, Director, NCDC was its member. The team had reviewed the status of preparedness for COVID management with the District Collectors of the valley. The current Central team shall interact with the District Collectors and Health Officers of Jammu. It shall also visit hospitals in Bakshinagar and Gandhinagar.
The team will support the State efforts towards strengthening containment, surveillance, testing and efficient clinical management of the positive cases. The Central team shall also guide in effectively managing the challenges related to timely diagnosis and follow up.
The total number of confirmed COVID cases in Jammu is 9428. Of these, 3196 have recovered. COVID deaths are reported to be 117. There are 6115 Active Cases in the district. The total cases one week ago were 6878. Jammu has been reporting Doubling Time of 15.4 days, Recovery Rate of 33.9% and CFR of 1.24%.
As an ongoing effort to strengthen efforts of various State/UT Governments for COVID management, the Central Government has been deputing Central teams from time to time to visit various States/UTs. These teams interact with the State/UT authorities and get a first hand understanding of the challenges and issues being faced by them so as to strengthen their ongoing activities and remove bottlenecks, if any.
Ministry of Power
Cabinet approves recommendations of Group of Ministers constituted to examine the specific recommendations of High Level Empowered Committee  constituted to address the issues of Stressed Thermal Power Projects
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the recommendations of Group of Ministers  constituted to examine the specific recommendations of High Level Empowered Committee  constituted to address the issues of Stressed Thermal Power Projects.
The CCEA has approved recommendations of the GoM mainly relating to grant of linkage coal for short-term PPA, allowed existing coal linkage to be used in case of termination of PPAs due to payment default by DISCOMs, procurement of bulk power by a nodal agency against pre-declared linkages, Central/State Gencos may act as an aggregator of power, increase in quantity of coal for special forward e-auction for power sector, coal linkage auctions to be held at regular intervals, non-lapsing of short supplies of coal, ACQ to be determined based on efficiency, payment of Late Payment Surcharge  made mandatory, non-cancellation of PPA/FSA/LTOA post NCLT scenario and non-cancellation of PPA for non-compliance of COD. With the implementation of these recommendations, many of the issues affecting the Thermal Power Sector are likely to get resolved.
Background:
The Government of India constituted a High Level Empowered Committee  under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary to address the issues of stressed thermal power projects. The committee made its recommendations to resolve the stress in thermal power sector and submitted its report in Nov' 18. The report of HLEC is available on the website of Ministry of Power. The Government thereafter constituted a Group of Ministers  to examine the specific recommendations of HLEC and forward its comments for consideration of the Cabinet. Subsequently GoM recommended majority of HLEC recommendations.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Disease detects Avian Influenza  from the samples received from Government Poultry Farm at Bokaro, Jharkhand
Avian Influenza  was detected by the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Disease, Bhopal from the samples received from Government Poultry Farm at Bokaro, Jharkhand on 17th February 2023 and the Department has issued notification on 20th February 2023. The last occurrence of Avian Influenza was reported in Godda district of Jharkhand during January 2019.
The State is advised to carry out the control and containment operations as per the Action Plan for Prevention, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza . The Department has deputed a two-member central team to assist the State in the control and containment operations. Also, Ministry of Health has deputed their central team for overview the surveillance in human sector. Secretary, AHD, Government of India had telephonic discussion with Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Government of Jharkhand regarding appropriate preventive measures and assured all support from Government of India. Animal Husbandry Commissioner had a discussion with the State Animal Husbandry Departments of Jharkhand and West Bengal and advised for effective control measures so that the disease doesn’t spread to other parts. Further, Animal Husbandry Commissioner took a virtual meeting with the concerned officials of the State Animal Husbandry Department of Jharkhand for sensitizing all before initiation of control and containment measures as per the Action Plan.
Compensation is paid to the farmers whose poultry birds, eggs and poultry feed are culled/disposed of by the State as per the action plan. The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying , Government of India provides funds to the States/UTs on a 50:50 sharing basis under ASCAD component of its LH & DCP Scheme.
State is advised to maintain sufficient stock of PPE kits and other accessories required for culling operations. The State is requested to coordinate with the departments of Health and Forest and sensitise them about Avian Influenza. State is also requested to submit daily report to this Department on the control measures taken by them.
The Department is in constant interaction with the State Government officials and is having a constant vigil on the situation.
Ministry of Steel
Production of Iron Ore by National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd.
The details are as following:-
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|
DETAILS OF PRODUCTION, SALES & EXPORT FY 2020-21
|
|
Financial Year
2020-21
|
|
Production

|
|
Sales

|
|
Export

|
|
April
|
|
17.9
|
|
13.8
|
|
0
|
|
May
|
|
22.95
|
|
25.5
|
|
1.53
|
|
June
|
|
25.15
|
|
24.32
|
|
1.47
|
|
July
|
|
21.91
|
|
25.9
|
|
1.45
|
|
August
|
|
16.2
|
|
17.93
|
|
1.44
|
|
September
|
|
18.25
|
|
21.07
|
|
1.44
|
|
October
|
|
24.26
|
|
25.2
|
|
2.22
|
|
November
|
|
33.25
|
|
32.82
|
|
3.74
|
|
December
|
|
38.02
|
|
35.41
|
|
1.43
|
|
January
|
|
38.62
|
|
37.46
|
|
3.65
|
|
February
|
|
38.56
|
|
32.47
|
|
0.7
|
|
March
|
|
46.43
|
|
40.64
|
|
3.85
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
341.5
|
|
332.52
|
|
22.92
This information was given by the Union Minister of Steel Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM compliments ECI for efforts to reach every voter in Meghalaya
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has lauded all those involved in monumental effort by the ECI to ensure every eligible voter can vote with ease in Meghalaya.
ECI has dispatched 974 polling teams across 59 poll-going assembly constituencies in Meghalaya.
Moreover, polling teams trekked difficult terrains for hours, sailed to Kamsing polling station with only 35 voters, used traditional Khasi baskets to carry polling materials to ensure no voter is left behind.
In reply to a tweet by PIB Meghalaya, the Prime Minister tweeted;
“This is yet another example of the monumental effort by the ECI to ensure every eligible voter can vote with ease. Compliments to all those who are a part of these teams. This should also inspire voters to turnout in record numbers and further strengthen our democracy.”
PIB Headquarters
PIB’S BULLETIN ON COVID-19
|
|
- 179.72 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
- India's Active caseload currently stands at 42,219
- Active cases stand at 0.10%
- Recovery Rate currently at 98.70%
- 6,208 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
- 4,24,26,328
- 4,194 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
- Daily positivity rate 
- Weekly Positivity Rate 
- 77.68 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 8,12,365 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
#Unite2FightCorona #IndiaFightsCorona
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Cabinet approves hike in MSP for Copra by more than Rs.2000 per quintal for 2019 season
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for increase in the Minimum Support Price  for Fair Average Quality  of "Milling Copra" has been increased to Rs.9521/- per quintal for 2019 season from Rs. 7511/-per quintal in 2018 and the MSP of "Ball Copra" has been increased to Rs.9920/- per quintal for 2019 season from Rs. 7750/- per quintal in 2018.
The MSP of Copra is expected to ensure appropriate minimum prices to the farmers and step up investment in Coconut cultivation and thereby production and productivity in the country.
The approval is based on recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices . CACP, an expert body, which takes into account the cost of production, trends in the domestic and international prices of edible oils, overall demand and supply of copra and coconut oil, cost of processing of copra into coconut oil and the likely impact of the recommended MSPs on consumers, while recommending the MSPs.
The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited  and National Cooperative Consumer Federation of India Limited  would continue to act as Central Nodal Agencies to undertake price support operations at the Minimum Support Prices in the Coconut growing states.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Trade Discussions
Department of Commerce has bilateral institutional mechanism with several countries including its neighboring countries, except with Pakistan, under which discussions on trade, investment and economic issues are held at mutual convenience. Various such bilateral meetings have been held in last four years, in which the trade, investment and economic issues of mutual interest such as strengthening of border trade infrastructure, technical barriers to trade , sanitary and phytosanitary  measures, cooperation in customs, facilitation of trade through railways, land and sea ports, harmonization of standards, etc have been discussed from time to time. Resolution of these issues and implementation of various projects and programs of mutual interests has yielded positive outcomes which is reflected in India’s increasing total trade with these countries i.e from USD 112.15 billion in the year 2017-18 to USD 135.77 billion in April 2021- Feb 2022.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Denmark on technical cooperation in the field of Sustainable and Smart Urban Development.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding  signed between India and Denmark on technical cooperation in the field of Sustainable and Smart Urban Development in April, 2018.
Details
The objective of this MoU is to promote bilateral cooperation in the field of sustainable and smart urban development on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit through exchange of knowledge, institutional cooperation, research & development and commercial relations on related issues. Areas of cooperation include smart urban solutions, liveability, sustainable and integrated urban planning, re-development and land use, integrated solid waste management including waste to energy, sustainable transport systems, water and sanitation management, energy efficiency, resource mobilization and other related areas mutually agreed upon.
Implementation strategy
Under this MoU, a Joint Working Group  will be set up to strategize and implement programmes on cooperation under the framework of the MoU. The Joint Working Group will meet at intervals agreed upon by the Participants, alternately in Denmark and in India.
Major Impact
The MoU will promote bilateral cooperation in the field of Sustainable and Smart Urban Development between the two countries.
Beneficiaries
The MoU is expected to create employment in the areas of integrated solid waste management including waste to energy, sustainable transport systems, water and sanitation management, energy efficiency, resource mobilization.
Ministry of Finance
CGST Mumbai South smashes a network of fictitious firms which generated fake Input Tax Credit of Rs 49 crores
: Mumbai, February 4, 2022
Officers of CGST Mumbai South has smashed a network of fictitious firms which issued fake invoices of Bullion of around Rs. 1650 Crores and fake Input Tax Credit  of Rs. 49.7 Crores and was remanded to judicial custody by Additional CMM Court, Mumbai.
The arrested person had created multiple bogus including M/s Karnataka Jewellers, M/s Balaji Enterprises and M/s Kismat Enterprises. These three entities had collectively availed and passed on fake ITC of Rs. 29.4 Crores to another entity Gajamukhi Bullion, which further passed a part of this fake ITC Rs. 20.27 Crores to M/s Golden Bullion, without actual movement of goods or services. The proprietor of M/s. Golden Bullion was arrested in the past, informed Additional Commissioner, Mumbai South Shi Rajiv Shankar.
Detailed investigations revealed that the arrested person was creating fictitious firms at various locations including Mumbai, Belgaum and Bikaner, for monetary gains. Based on material evidence and his confession, he was arrested under Section 69 of the CGST Act for offences under Section 132, 132 read with Section 132 of CGST Act. He was produced before Additional CMM court Mumbai on 03.02.2022. He was sent to judicial custody of 14 days. Efforts are underway to apprehend other persons involved in this network.
This case is a part of Anti-Evasion drive launched by CGST, Mumbai Zone against the tax evaders. As a part of this drive, CGST Mumbai South Commissionerate has detected tax evasion of Rs 570 Crores approx. recovered Rs. 7 Crores approx. and arrested 7 persons during the last five months.
The CGST department is using data analysis and network analysis tools to identify potential tax evaders and coordinating with other tax authorities for nabbing tax evaders. The department is going to intensify this anti-evasion drive in the coming days and months.
Ministry of Power
Enhancing Infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh
Cabinet approves 2880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh
Rs. 1600 crore expenditure approved
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the expenditure on pre-investment activities and various clearances for Dibang Multipurpose Project  in Arunachal Pradesh for an amount of Rs. 1600 crore.
The estimated total cost of Project is Rs. 28080.35 including IDC & FC of Rs 3974.95 crore at Jun'18 price level. The estimated completion period for the project shall be nine years from receipt of Government sanction.
The project shall generate 2880MW  power to produce 11223MU of energy in a 90% dependable year. This is the largest ever Hydro Electric Projects to be constructed in India. The dam is 278 metres high and will be the highest dam in India once completed.
The Project is located on river Dibang, in Lower Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh. The project envisages construction of a 278 m high Concrete Gravity Dam , 6 Nos. horseshoe-shaped Head Race Tunnels of length varying from 300 m to 600 m with 9 m dia., an underground Power House and 6 Nos. horseshoe-shaped Tail Race Tunnels of length varying from 320 m to 470 m with 9m dia.
On completion, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh will get 12% free power from the project i.e. 1346.76 MU. 1% free power . The total value of benefit to Arunachal Pradesh from Free power and contribution to LADF will be Rs 26785 crore over the project life of forty years.
Dibang Multipurpose Project  is envisaged as a storage based hydro-electric project with flood moderation as the key objective. The construction of Dibang MPP shall prevent the sizeable downstream area from floods. After implementation of master plan of Brahmaputra Board for flood moderation of all rivers contributing to river Brahmaputra, of which Dibang MPP is one of the component, sizable area will be protected from flooding and help in mitigating the perennial damage due to floods in Assam.
The project is having all statutory clearances viz. TEC, Environment Clearance, Forest Clearance  and Defence Clearance except Forest Clearance  for seeking Investment Sanction from Govt. of India.
The approval of anticipated expenditure on pre-investment activities and various clearances shall enable payment towards compensation for land acquisition and R&R activities  to project affected families and state government, payment of Net Present Value  of forests, Compensatory Afforestation , Catchment Area Treatment Plan  to the state government for forest lands, to secure the Forest Clearance  and construction of roads and bridges for accessing project site. In addition to the mandated R&R plan, it is also proposed to spend Rs. 241 crore on Community and Social Development plan and certain concerns raised by the local people during the public hearings. It is also proposed to spend an amount of Rs. 327 lakhs on a plan for protection of culture and identity of local people.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 138 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 21.38 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
|
|
VACCINE DOSES
|
|

|
|
SUPPLIED
|
|
1,38,95,38,030
|
|
BALANCE AVAILABLE
|
|
21,38,89,971
More than 138 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 21.38 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.